Dexter Dalwood was born in Bristol, England in 1960. He received a B.A. from Central St. Martins College of Art and Design, London in 1985, and an M.A. from the Royal College of Art, London in 1990. Dalwood’s first solo exhibition was held in 1992 at the Clove Building, London.

Dexter Dalwood's collages and paintings have been exhibited in numerous solo and group shows, building a strong reputation over the last two decades in the UK, Europe, and the United States. In 2010 Dexter Dalwood was shortlisted for the Turner Prize.

In 2013, Kunsthaus Centre d’art Centre PasquArt in Biel, Switzerland will host a solo survey exhibition “Dexter Dalwood.” Other solo exhibitions include “Dexter Dalwood,” a major survey of his work at Tate St Ives, which toured to FRAC Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France and CAC Malaga, Spain; “Orientalism” at David Risley Gallery, Copenhagen (2012), “Dichter und Drogen” at Nolan Judin Gallery, Berlin (2011), "There is No Darkness But Ignorance," David Risley Gallery, Copenhagen (2009), as well as those at Gagosian Gallery: “Endless Night,” Beverly Hills (2009); "Recent History,” Britannia Street, London (2006–07); "Dexter Dalwood,” West 24th Street, New York (2004); “New Paintings,” Beverly Hills (2002); and “New Paintings,” Heddon Street, London (2000).

Dexter Dalwood's work is found in both the Tate and Saatchi collections, and has been integral to many highly innovative group exhibitions, including the Dublin Contemporary (2011); “Germany is Your America,” Broadway 1602, New York (2011); "Rank: Picturing the Social Order 1516–2009,” Leeds Art Gallery (2009); "Lights, Camera, Action: Artists' Films for the Cinema,” Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (2007); "Days Like These: Tate Triennial,” Tate Britain, London (2003); the Sydney Biennale (2002); "Remix: Contemporary Art and Pop,” Tate Liverpool (2002); "Twisted: Urban and Visionary Landscapes in Contemporary Painting,” Van Abbe Museum, Eindhoven (2000); "New Neurotic Realism Part II,” Saatchi Gallery, London (1999); and "Die Young Stay Pretty,” ICA, London (1999).

His work has been featured in a variety of significant books and catalogues. A selection of notable texts published on his work are: Dichter und Drogen (2011, Nolan Judin), Dexter Dalwood (2010, jrpringer/Tate); Dexter Dalwood: Recent History (2006, Gagosian Gallery); The Triumph of Painting (2005, Saatchi Gallery/Koenig Books); Other Times, Contemporary British Art (2004, British Council); This Much is Certain (2004, Royal College of Art,); Days Like These: Tate Triennial of British Art (2003, Tate Gallery); 100: The Work That Changed British Art (2003, Saatchi Gallery); Dexter Dalwood: New Paintings (2002, Gagosian Gallery); Twisted: Urban and Visionary Landscapes in Contemporary Painting (2000, Van Abbe Museum); Young British Art: The Saatchi Decade (1999, Booth Clibborn Editions); New Neurotic Realism (1998, Saatchi Gallery); and Die Young Stay Pretty (1998, ICA London).

Dexter Dalwood currently lives and works in London, England. The artist was shortlisted as one of the four nominees for the Turner Prize 2010.